IARA County/Local Records Management - Water Damaged Records

Good morning County/Local Agencies,

I've had inquiries from different agencies asking what to do with water damaged or moldy records. Is there a way to restore them? Who do I reach out to for help? What is the first step to take?

Whether you've had a pipe burst, found a flooded basement, or discovered moldy records, IARA's Conservation Laboratory at the State Archives assembled a very useful document, "What Should We Do With Moldy Records?" to share with government agencies who are dealing with moldy or water damaged records. You can also review the Preservation & Disaster Resources page on IARA's website.

Quick tips on handling moldy records:

1. Protect yourself first
2. Clean or have the collections and the area cleaned as quickly as possible
3. The safest solution to the problem is to destroy the moldy records, provided the retention schedule allows for their destruction

Preventing records management disasters:

1. Never store records in a basement or attic
2. Never store records near water pipes or air conditioning
3. Never store records near a heat source-the ideal climate for records storage is between 65 and 70 degrees, 55 percent humidity
4. Store records away from light: sunlight fades and damages records
5. Wash hands before handling records: natural oils from your skin contaminate records
6. Keep copies of critical records at a separate location
7. Do not tape, paper clip, staple, or fold records
8. Never use ballpoint or felt-tip pen to label records
9. Always use a soft, number-two pencil to label the backs of photographs
10. Always place plastic covers over computer equipment when not in use
11. Damage to computers, disks, and peripheral equipment requires professional restoration Do not attempt to use your equipment after a disaster as any damage to equipment could cause further harm to records
12. Be sure to migrate electronic records when you install new software on your computer

Of course, if you have more questions or concerns, please reach out to cty@iara.in.gov. 

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Did you survive the end of Daylight Saving Time?

AMY CHRISTIANSEN

Records Management Liaison

Indiana Archives and Records Administration

o: 812-929-3882

e: achristiansenjanicki@iara.in.gov |

w: www.in.gov/iara

a: 402 W Washington St, Room W472, Indianapolis, IN 46204

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